Can you sense them? The ghosts? Quiet yourself for a moment. They hang in the air and whisper in our ears. They taunt us with memories of a golden age. Listen closely and you can hear the spectral voice: “1993.” They mock the sterility and cannibalism of contemporary metal and remind us of a single day that produced three works of heavy metal futurism: Dimensions, Spheres, and Focus. Radical Research heeds the call and crosses the threshold. Do you dare?

Note I: The ending of Cynic’s “How Could I?,” which concludes this episode, is derived from an earlier song intended for the Focus album, “Pleading for Preservation.” In the aftermath of Hurricane Andrew, which we discuss, the band scrapped the song, which can only be heard on what is known as the “Roadrunner Demo” (1991).

Note II: So that “How Could I?” could end this episode the only way it should end, we elected to not preview our next episode. Radical Research 16, Synth Whores, will be a rapid-fire examination (a la episode 5, Bad-Ass Fusion Decapitations) of some of our favorite synthesizer moments, drawing from the prog and metal worlds, and even one specimen from the almighty Gary Numan. Be there or be hip.

Radical Research is a conversation about the inner- and outer-reaches of rock and metal music. This podcast is conceived and conducted by Jeff Wagner and Hunter Ginn. Though we consume music in a variety of ways, we give particular privilege to the immersive, full-album listening experience. Likewise, we believe that tangible music formats help provide the richest, most rewarding immersions and that music, artwork, and song titles cooperate to produce a singular effect on the listener. Great music is worth more than we ever pay for it.

From Gentle Giant to Gigan, Goblin to Gorguts, Radical Research dissects the work of rock and metal’s most daring artists and albums.